What Are You So Afraid Of? Click for larger image I am a fan of temperament theory. This is a theory that claims that we all have a temperament or blend of temperaments that make up the foundation of our personality. To these basic temperaments we add environment (social status, culture, etc), upbringing, and life experiences, and we have the whole of who we are as people. Some of my favorite applications of this theory are described by the Christian prophecy expert and author, Tim LaHaye, and the DISC personality system. I myself am a Sanguine-Melancholy (IC), with the Choleric (D) temperament being just below my midline. This is the description of a sanguine-melancholy from these two temperament applications: I am observant of details as well as the unique value of people. I combine a concern for particulars with an awareness and appreciation for the people needed to accomplish tasks; this leads to the development of open channels of communication. I will frequently express an enthusiasm and optimism for accomplishing tasks, as well as being an encouraging influence to those around me. I can be counted on to do a good job, to value my associates, and to pay attention to details. I have a tendency to be competitive with myself; I push myself in order to avoid any rejection or criticism. People with my temperament blend often have a unique teaching gift. My strengths are that I am Enthusiastic, trusting, optimistic, persuasive, creative, encouraging, motivating, humorous, a peacemaker, accurate, conscientious, and musically gifted. Sounds great, huh? HAHA, now for the whole truth! My weaknesses are that I am: Sometimes too talkative and loud, emotional, too concerned with what people think of me. Sometimes my standards for myself and others are too high, and I sometimes worry too much about anything, everything, and "what if". I take on way too much in my life and then get overwhelmed and stressed-out. I naturally lean toward procrastination. I fear rejection, criticism, and to a lesser degree, being taken advantage of. The choleric temperament below my midline is not dominant to my personality, and I believe it is an acquired trait (not one I was born with) from being the oldest child and through my life experiences. A choleric temperament is defined as: born leader, dynamic and active, compulsive need for change, must correct wrongs, strong-willed and decisive, unemotional, not easily discouraged, independent, and self sufficient, exudes confidence, can run anything, bossy, impatient, quick-tempered, can't relax, too impetuous, enjoys controversy and arguments, won't give up when losing, comes on too strong, inflexible, is not complimentary, dislikes tears and emotions, is unsympathetic. I am thankful that is not my dominant temperament because, to be honest, I am a bit intimidated by choleric people and the brash and direct manner in which they approach life (no offense to my choleric readers, lol). But this side of me does come out in "defense" and I can bring it out when needed, to be firm in my professional life. This is the side of me I have to keep in line when I feel taken advantage of, when I perceive something as unjust or unfair, and when I get overwhelmed and stressed-out. This is the side of myself that I constantly have to repent for! I am not a fan of my choleric tendencies! So, anyway, I gave you that background so you can get to know a bit about my personality. Essentially, to sum up "me", I am predisposed to worry and am very uncomfortable when things are out of my control. Consequently, many of the lessons I learn in my walk with God are related to this predisposition. I learn over and over again, that God will meet my every need, He will protect me, and any "illusion" of control I do have in my life is just that, an illusion. GOD IS IN CONTROL. Deep breath……… Over the years I have had many similar situations to the one I am about to describe to you. God is faithful. He never changes. Gee, I wonder why I always have the same results? J Since I accepted the position as director of the Christian child care and preschool center where I work, we have always had financial issues. This is a long-standing problem that started way before I entered the picture. From a managerial point of view, I know it is because the size of our center is not large enough to generate high profits. We make just enough to pay our wages and bills. This is a scary place to be for this worry-prone chica! When one family leaves our school due to graduation, moving, or loss of employment, that is just enough money lost that we may potentially not have enough money to pay our expenses. Well, one summer (the summer program is always tough because enrollment is low this time of year), we were incredibly low on finances. We were behind on paying bills, and it became apparent that we did not have enough money to meet payroll for the upcoming week. Inside I felt I could vomit. No joke. Have you ever been so worried that you felt that way? The beginning of the new school year and the resulting surge in enrollment was two months away. I prayed, "God, what are we going to do? I am your faithful servant. We are teaching these children about you. You don't want us to close the school, do you? What will happen to these children if we close? What will happen to my staff if they have no jobs? What will happen to me and my girls?" God answered me with, "Ginger, this school is mine. What I choose to do with it is my concern. If you are my faithful servant, you need to follow me wherever I take you. This includes letting go if I close the school. I am in control. What I promise you is that wherever I take you, whatever happens, I am with you. I will provide for you. I will meet your needs. Trust me." I had the greatest peace come over me. By God’s goodness, our school survived that summer. We caught up all of our bills. It makes no sense how we made it. This was no doubt completely by God’s provision. It is unmistakable. We still don't have very much money in the school, but you know what? We have enough. God meets our needs. I have to make the decision to relax and trust Him every day regarding school finances (and everything else). I give Him everything. Every worry, every thought that enters my mind that causes me to have that loss-of-peace and that unpleasant adrenaline butterfly rush. I give it all to Him and TRUST that He is with me to matter where He takes me. And I believe He would have it no other way! Some scriptures that give me peace: Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:22-32 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 I recommend the books "Why You Act the Way You Do" and "Spirit-Controlled Temperament" by Tim LaHaye and the DISC Personality Analysis System. Back